Sometimes the words I say to other people are exactly the words I need to hear for myself. It seems weird to be speaking on a topic, like I’m some sort of expert, when it’s a journey I’m still on.

I still have to remind myself it’s okay to change, and that change is not an indication of failure on my part. I spoke briefly last weekend about how hard the first couple years of motherhood were for me because anytime I was faced with having to change my beliefs about something, or my approach, it made me feel like a failure.

But once I learned to embrace that change, and give myself permission for it to happen, it became freeing.

I was once the kind of person who planned long in advance for things like work trips. I had post it notes to remind me of to-do lists, and packing lists that I checked twice.

I type this now, 4 hours out from flying out to another work conference (Mom 2.0 in Atlanta). I’m half packed, I don’t have a plan, I haven’t glanced at the schedule yet. I spent a lot of yesterday feeling guilty for not getting media kits printed in time, and not yet buying classroom treats for Kendall’s birthday on Friday.

Oh yeah. He turns 6 on Friday, and I’m going to be gone.

But as I started to reflect on what I was going to write about for this post, the message I spoke about last weekend, it was a good reminder to me that it’s okay if this stage in my life doesn’t have room for to-do lists and packing lists. It’s okay if my work/life balance right now means we had cake and presents with Kendall last night, and his dad will visit his class tomorrow with treats he’ll pickup from Target today.

This is one of the best lessons motherhood has taught me, and I hope it’s something the attendees of the GCDC in Denver last weekend will take to heart.

Last weekend’s travel was fun… and exhausting… but fun! I got to take Lowell with me. On a plane. Twice. I had wine the 2nd flight.

He was mostly really, really good.

And of course, he did his part to try and break the Guiness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time around the world.

A HUGE thank you to the Kanga Care team, especially Julie, for having me out for the event, and letting me stay at their house! Traveling with a mobile infant is hard enough. It’s nice to have a real house to escape to, one with pack and plays and an endless supply of wine.

In my experience, cloth diapers have come a long way in the nearly 6 years we’ve been using them. It’s easier than ever to find something that will consistently work for you. We’re big fans of pocket and all-in-one diapers here.

Kanga Care sent me these Rumparooz pocket diapers for Lowell right before he was born, and he’s worn them since he was about a month old.

If you’re in or near the Denver area and want to participate, I would LOVE to see you! You can find more details on the Denver page here. It will be part of the Kanga Care Natural Parenting Expo with sponsor booths and speakers (me!).

And! I’m going to have Lowell with me.

All. Of. That. Squish. will be on my hip (or my boob), and there to help break a World Record!